The team just has to come up with a solution. If it's theoretical that's
ok, but they should have research, and present it in the skit or
presentation, that shows why their idea is a valid one. You should have a
notebook that includes the research the kids did, print out of emails with
specialists and newspaper, magazine or other material that the team used to
come to their solution. Include photos if you have them.
    Our first year, the solution was purely theoretical, and the team won
1st place in research at regionals.  The second year, they conceived of an
idea that could have been made, but that they didn't make (because of
expense) and won grand champions, and then last year, they made 4 different
prototypes of their ideas :) and won 1st place in research at regionals
again.  So it doesn't seem to matter if they make it or not, as long as its
an idea that is backed by research and info.  It seemed to really help that
my team always had a long list of professionals they conferred with through
the research process.  Most of the time we had email partners, but the last
year we were able to use a lot local professionals to help them.  It is
more fun in person, but the info is just as good from specialist around the
world.
      The first year during "Body Wars", we spoke back and forth to a
geneticist in England.   My advice is, have the kids create the letter and
then you e-mail it out to at least 15 people.  Most of the people we've
reached out to in the last 3 years have not written back. Only a few write
back, so cast a wide net. Several of the professionals we've spoken to let
me know they looked me up to see who was writing them so include your team
facebook or team website if you have one.
Good luck,
Brandy
FTC 6193- Electrical Invaders



On Mon, Sep 30, 2013 at 10:24 AM, Michele Bossick <[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> Does each team have to actually create/manufacture their innovative
> solution? Should they have a prototype to show the judges or can they
> simply explain their ideas and research through their presentation?
>
> Thanks,
> Michele Bossick
>
> --
> ______________________________
> *Michele Bossick*
> Technology Educator-Lower School
> Nansemond-Suffolk Academy <http://www.nsacademy.org>
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> Suffolk, VA 23434
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